Cairns

Cairns was great. The first day we went to the rainforest. I held a koala. That was amazing. I was SOOO excited and it was so cute and it was everything I had hoped for. The only thing is I held it for about 30 seconds and then they took it away. I personally imagined cuddling with it for about 30 minutes. But it might be one of my new favorite animals. Then we got to be with the Kangaroos and literally pet them for as long as we wanted. It's weird because this summer at state fair they had kangaroos in a cage and we couldn't touch them or anything. Here you could do anything.

We also took a tour ride in the rainforest. Before we left the employee casually said keep your hands and feet inside the car. I just thought she was saying that... Then we start going and we pull up to a bunch of plants and she stops. She explains that it's the deadliest plant alive. Haha it was like half an arms length away. Then there was like a crocodile that ran past us too. At this point I was fearful to even sit close to the edge! I thought the precautions were funny for how dangerous it actually was to put your hand out.

 Look what I painted mom!

On Sunday we went to the Great Barrier Reef. How crazy. I'm in Australia and went to the Great Barrier Reef! It was about a two hour boat ride out. We just relaxed and tanned on the boat. I actually snorkeled and I wasn't that afraid. It was a little choppy so it was almost more scary to look above the water than below. I really enjoyed it. I took a bunch of videos before actually getting underwater so by the time I got to the reef my video storage was full! But I could still take pictures so hopefully those turned out.

Selfie.

The boat back was fun too. We were getting soaked in the front of the boat from the waves. I got a little burnt but not too bad but I put on spf 30 and reapplied like 3 times so the sun is very hot! It'll turn into a tan though :)

On the way home I was thinking how Jake Kujawa (cousin) was in Cairns as well but I doubted I would see him since it was already Sunday and we haven't communicated since I got to Australia. 

We showered and went out to dinner. While in line to order my food there I see Jake eating dinner with his friends!! It was amazing and I was in disbelief that I saw him. We chatted and then he said he was going to Gilligans later with his friends. That's actually my hostel where I stayed and a bar as well, which is weird, but we were going there too later.

I had the fish and chips. We went there The night before too and I had the same thing. Haha I just liked it so much the first time why not get it again. 

The first time I ordered it I had the option of chips or potato. I wanted fries so I said potato in hopes that i'd get potato wedges or something. Nope I got a baked potato. So the second time I ordered when given the two options I asked if I could just have fries. She looked at me odd and said yes. Turns out  fries are called chips... Now I know. 

I also asked for silverware to someone else and she responded to me "Tupperware?" And I said "yes?" She said downstairs. So I go and ask for silverware and the lady said "utensils?" I said yes. Later I learned that Tupperware is not the same as silverware haha. Definelty some things that are completely different. 

Later at Gilligans it was a lot of fun to go out with the people on my program. Also, hung out with Jake and his friends too. 

Monday morning we woke up early and had an info session about the school and more about Australia. After that we packed and headed to the airport to go back to Brisbane and finally get to the school. (I'm on the bus now to bond university). It's weird because I feel like I was getting comfortable in Cairns and the people around me. It's weird that now will be my actual time studying abroad because I won't have an itinerary planned out for me every day and 30 people with too. It's as if I haven't experienced the independent abroad part yet. The school will have about 3,000 people that I won't know. I am a little nervous all over again but I'm excited. I plan to join clubs and intramurals which I know I will be meeting more people too. 

It's crazy how comfortable I feel with some of the people on my program already. I've known them for 3 days... It's funny because at the airport the first day I went to the bathroom and asked a new friend to watch my stuff. Then I said, how do I know I can even trust you.. I've known you for less than 24 hours. Haha. (Don't worry mom I'm being safe). When we arrive at the school I'm sure there will be some people I won't see much anymore but I'm really glad I was eased into everything with a group of 30 people and able to do what I've done. 

I'm so appreciative of everything. It's insane that I'm here. I don't feel homesick at all. I'm sure when I have more free time and when I'm less busy I might be more. But I also know that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and ends in 3 months so I have a good mindset. Stay tuned.